Schiphol renews taxiways A and B: major maintenance from March to June 2026

From March to June 2026, Schiphol is renewing parts of taxiways A and B – two important taxi routes between the gates and runways. This maintenance is part of the large-scale replacement of outdated infrastructure. It is necessary to keep the taxiways in good condition so that aircraft can continue to taxi safely and reliably in the future. The work will be taking place during two periods before and after the May holiday, so that the impact on the local community and travellers is kept to a minimum.

Work on the taxiways
Taxiways are the routes that aircraft use to taxi to and from the runways. Taxiways A and B, specifically between connections A21 and A25, have been in use for more than twenty years. Due to wear on the asphalt, lighting, cables and drainage, renewal is necessary. During the maintenance work, the infrastructure on and around these taxiways will be upgraded. This includes replacing asphalt pavement (approximately 65,000 m²), improving and expanding rainwater drainage, restoring the areas surrounding the taxiways, replacing 32 kilometres of electrical cabling and renewing taxiway lighting and signage. The work is being carried out in collaboration with construction company Heijmans.

Two periods between March and June
The work will be carried out in two phases; between 9 March and 12 April work will take place on taxiway B, and between 4 May and 26 June on taxiway A. By splitting the project into phases, the May holiday period is deliberately avoided, keeping the impact on local residents and travellers to a minimum. In addition to the taxiway works, Schiphol is combining as many surrounding maintenance activities as possible during this period, such as the annual routine maintenance on the Polderbaan and Zwanenburgbaan runways. By carrying out these works simultaneously, Schiphol prevents additional disruption.

Use of other runways at peak times
Although the maintenance work is being carried out on the taxiways, it may affect runway use at peak times. During the work on the taxiways and their exits, fewer aircraft can taxi to and from the Polderbaan and Zwanenburgbaan runways at the same time. Therefore, during daytime peak moments, the Buitenveldertbaan Runway will sometimes be used instead of the Zwanenburgbaan Runway, in combination with the Polderbaan Runway. The Buitenveldertbaan will only be used when a combination of wind direction and traffic volumes makes that necessary. The Schiphol-Oostbaan Runway would be a logical alternative in terms of wind direction, but Schiphol deliberately chooses not to use this runway more frequently for landings out of consideration for the local community.

The possible alternative flight routes may be noticeable to people living near Schiphol. For more information or questions about air traffic and runway use during the maintenance period, local residents can contact the Local Community Contact Centre (Bewonersaanspreekpunt Schiphol ).